Words: Callum Dick
Images: Chris Simpson

A classy first-half strike from Darcie Wilson saw Western Pride FC Women outlast University of Queensland Women 1-0 at University of Queensland Oval 3.

In a match dominated by scoring opportunities, Wilson’s long-range lob of UQFC goalkeeper Daniele Harbot proved the difference as both sides spurned multiple chances in front of goal.

In addition to the match winner, Pride goalkeeper Kirsten Veeren also proved pivotal in the final exchanges as the visitors kept their first clean sheet since the opening round of the season -first denying Karen Buhl and then Portia Lee to ensure the visitors left with maximum points.

Now with three wins in their last four outings, the Ipswich-based side now move three points clear of UQFC in the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women’s standings.

The defeat extends UQ’s losing streak to five, and remain in eighth position having played two more matches than those immediately below them.

Key Moments

15’ – CHANCE FOR UQFC – Zozia Sen is played one-on-one with Kirsten Veeren, however the pass is too heavy and Veeren is able to get across and cover.

23’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE – Melissa von Bischoffshausen makes a sizzling run through the UQ defence, however her last tough is too heavy and Catrin Gardner is able to clear.

24’ – GOAL FOR PRIDE – Darcie Wilson notices Daniele Harbot is off her line, and chips a ball over the UQ ‘keeper’s head and into the open net.

29’ – CHANCE FOR UQFC – Sen plays through for Karen Buhl, who sidesteps a defender and hits Veeren on the chest.

35’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE – Nicole Quinn finds Nikkola Dawes open at the top of the box, who powers a shot into the crossbar.

45’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE - Wilson sends a shot inches over the crossbar from a metre inside the byline.

47’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE – Bischoffshausen makes a run down the left edge, before cutting inside and chipping too high over the crossbar.

66’ – CHANCE FOR UQFC – After a deflection leaves Veeren off her line, Grace Vogler misses a golden opportunity in mishitting her attempt and rolling the ball well wide of the open goal.

78’ – CHANCE FOR UQFC – Hikaru Arai manages only to find the side netting after stepping around two defenders and shooting from a tight angle.

82’ – CHANCE FOR UQFC – Buhl is also denied by Veeren, when her shot from distance is pushed wide for a throw.

90+1’ – CHANCE FOR UQ – Portia Lee is unable to find her way around an advancing Veeren; her shot deflected off the ‘keeper and cleared soon after. 

What They Said

“On that second half alone how we didn’t at least come away with a point is unbelievable but that’s just how football goes I guess. It was an excellent performance by the girls in the second half, so I’m pleased with that but it’s still very disappointing.” – Rick Coghlan, University of Queensland FC Women coach

“(Winning three of our last four) is a really good milestone for us to get to. We probably need to be a little more clinical in front of goals, we spoke about that in the first half. I’ve been very proud of the back four, consistently over the last few weeks they have been (very strong).” – Len Manwaring – Western Pride FC Women coach

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Women's 2016 - Round 14

Tuesday, June 21
University of Queensland Oval 3, Brisbane

University of Queensland FC Women - 0
Western Pride FC Women - 1 (Darcie WILSON 24')

Match Centre - http://bit.ly/28M1ThM